Wildlife Conservation Technician II

Job Code: 32000116
Salary Grade: NC07
Revision Date: 06/2018

Class Concept

This is advanced technician level work in research, infrastructure management, and outreach or fish hatcheries activities. Work in this class involves leading work teams who the construct, maintain, enhance or operate the Wildlife Resources Commission's infrastructure. Work is directed by a variety of inputs to include game land management plans, habitat management plans, species management plans, forestry management plan (WRC, NCDA and federal), fish production plans, engineering designs, construction plans, maps, NC Wildlife Action Plan and surveys, monitoring or research proposals. Develop and present information in various forms including educational programs and training, budgets, purchasing-related documents, administrative and grant reports, and scientific report presentations. Operate and maintain equipment, facilities, vehicles and machinery, and for directing others in their efforts to do the same. The majority of work is performed outdoors, often in disagreeable or unpleasant conditions such as inclement weather, biting insects and extreme temperatures, and includes exposure to explosives, biological hazards and agricultural chemicals, hazardous chemicals, dangerous animals, moving equipment and the hazards of traveling through forested areas or on open waters. Employees conducting prescribed burns face hazards of controlling or fighting outdoor fires.

Work at this level is distinguished from lower level technicians by greater responsibility for project management, reporting, budgeting, workflow coordination, planning work, and/or technical knowledge. Planning and work at this level is characterized by longer time frames of up to five years. Positions may prepare budget projections for supplies, materials and equipment for daily operation and/or specific projects. Employees may be accountable to direct work to and report deficiencies in the quality and quantity of work of a work team. These positions may function as supervisors or lead workers in preparing land for habitat development, planting and cultivating plants for habitat development or nursery production as well as habitat maintenance and management, facility construction or maintenance, hatchery operations, and forestry management.

Recruitment Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of office practices and procedures including office technology such as spreadsheets, data bases, GIS, and word processing.
• Considerable knowledge of office practices and procedures including office technology such as spreadsheets, data bases, GIS, and word processing.
• Knowledge of dendrology and the equipment and techniques used in prescribed burns, fish culture, disease management, and environmental control.
• Knowledge of the types, habitats and habits of a variety of inland fish or wildlife species and their management and knowledge of water level management, wetlands, water chemistry or quality and plant species succession.
• Skills in skilled trades such as carpentry, painting and other activities requiring hand tools or heavy equipment.
• Ability to accurately collect, analyze and report on field research data, ability to direct the work activities of other technicians and ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to gather and compile materials from a variety of sources such as disease sampling, mast and vegetation surveys, population data, upland songbird routes, bear bait lines and harvest data.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with department and other town staff, builders, developers, personnel from other relevant state agencies, the Corps of Engineers, private contractors, materials suppliers, partner organizations, and the general public and ability to maintain vendor relationships and monitor the quality and quantity of vendors' work..
• Ability to interpret and apply building and construction codes and regulations, ability to manage projects including material and human resources as well as time and deadlines, ability to use explosives safely and monitor the safety of others, ability to value trees for lumber and considerable ability to read maps and plans..
• Ability to operate and maintain power hand tools, small gasoline engines, portable generators, chainsaws, machinery, equipment - including agricultural, drag-line, motor-grader, bulldozer, front-end loader and other heavy construction equipment - and vehicles including outboard-powered watercraft and large trucks requiring a CDL.

Minimum Education and Experience

Associate Degree in wildlife, fisheries or construction management from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of experience which has included the management of wildlife or fisheries resources or the operation of heavy equipment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license required within 90 days of hire. Some positions may require coursework for fish culture.

Some positions may require Commercial Driver's License (CDL), pesticide applicator's license and/or NC Burner Certificate.